Temperature Dependence of the Reaction Rate Constant

This text discusses the temperature dependence of the reaction rate constant. The activation enthalpy ∆H# and the activation entropy ∆S# are defined, and an example is given to calculate their values.

Summary

The reaction rate constant increases exponentially with temperature. The activation enthalpy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to occur. The activation entropy is the change in entropy that occurs when the reaction goes from reactants to products.

Questions

1. What is the temperature dependence of the reaction rate constant?
2. What are the activation enthalpy and activation entropy?
3. How can you calculate the values of ∆H# and ∆S#?

Answers

1. The reaction rate constant increases exponentially with temperature.
2. The activation enthalpy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to occur. The activation entropy is the change in entropy that occurs when the reaction goes from reactants to products.
3. The values of ∆H# and ∆S# can be calculated using the following equations:

   “`
   ∆H# = -RT ln(k2/k1)
   ∆S# = (R/T)(ln(k2/k1) – 1)
   “`